THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – All About Dad This Father’s Day Weekend!
As usual, Chicago is offering a wide variety of Father’s Day events this weekend that suit dads of many different interests. So, I’ve selected a few of the many events taking place that your Dad, you and the rest of the family can enjoy!
One of the most popular and longest Father’s Day traditions is being held this Sunday (3 p.m.-6 p.m.) with the 37th annual Real Men Cook at The Quarry Event Center (2423 E. 75th St.) in the South Shore neighborhood. This celebration of fatherhood brings together home cooks, backyard BBQ masters, professional chefs, and more serving over 300 sample-sized portions of delicious food for 3 hours. Besides the food, there’s also live entertainment featuring music, men’s health and family wellness activities, and local Black history educational programs. In addition, the proceeds will support Real Men Charities’ year-round programs!
Join the LGBTQ+ community as they celebrate Chicago Pride Month at their annual two-day street festival Chicago Pride Fest this weekend (11 a.m.-10 p.m.) at 800 West Waveland Avenue in the Northalsted neighborhood. Three stages of live music along with the best of Chicago drag performances, dance exhibitions, the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, guest speakers, and a Youth Pride Space for teens will be featured. Plus, browse arts & crafts from over 150 vendors, get a bite to eat at the many food vendors, and most importantly, don’t miss the Proud Pet Parade at Noon on Sunday. It’s a high-energy community celebration for all!
Every Father’s Day weekend, the West Loop’s Restaurant Row is converted into a huge outdoor festival, and this year is no different. The Taste of Randolph is this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) at 900 West Randolph Street between Peoria Street and Racine Avenue. This year’s Taste features some of the world’s best cuisine and beverage offerings from Chicago’s best-known restaurants as well as enjoying live entertainment from Chicago favorites to national headliners. In addition, the Wonder Lane Kids’ Zone is bigger, better, and built for everyone with numerous activities for the kids and a laid-back lounge for the parents to relax and recharge. You don’t want to miss this event!
Hosting one of the biggest art fairs of the summer, Grant Park’s Butler Field (100 S. Lake Shore Dr.) in the Loop is the place to be for the 68th annual Gold Coast Art Fair this Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.). This prestigious art fair will feature more than 200 juried artists from across the country featuring a diverse range of original works in a variety of mediums. The Fair also offers an exciting atmosphere of live music; a variety of food, beer, wine, and sangria at three oases; Paint and Sip classes; caricatures; henna art; and more. There’s even a Kid’s Art Zone packed with fun activities that include face painting, sand art, giant bubbles, and more. And a portion of each ticket sale benefits the non-profit organization WINGS Program, Inc.!
One of the most iconic traditions in Chinese culture brings the 2026 Dragon Boat Race to the Ping Tom Memorial Park (1700 S. Wentworth Ave.) in Chinatown this Saturday (9 a.m.-5 p.m.). This year’s race will have 33 teams from across the region competing on the Chicago River in beautifully decorated dragon boats. Afterwards, explore Chinatown and enjoy a traditional Chinese meal at the many restaurants!
Happy Father’s Day to All the #1 Dads!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
